Land (or geomatics) surveyors are primarily concerned with the accurate measurement of the natural and built environment, the description and classification of features, the analysis and collation of relevant data and the presentation of data in forms required by users such as architects, civil engineers, property developers, planners, solicitors, environmentalists, geologists, archaeologists, geographers and map makers. The work is an essential preliminary to virtually all planning, property development and construction, major engineering and other projects relating to the natural environment and urban infrastructure.

Land surveyors learn about the traditional survey methods of triangulation and traversing, and use them when appropriate, but nowadays rely more and more on satellite geodesy and computerised mapping and Geographic and Land Information Systems. Detailed surveys are often based on aerial photography and the use of sophisticated computer driven plotting equipment.

Entry level

While it is possible to get into land/geomatics surveying without a degree – or with a degree from a wide range of disciplines plus an accredited postgraduate course – most employers prefer graduates who have completed an accredited surveying degree. You would normally need three A level/Advanced Higher/four Higher or equivalent qualifications to enter an accredited degree in a surveying discipline, together with five GCSE/S Grade passes at A-C/1-3, including English and maths.

Your degree course should introduce you to the major methods of measuring and recording data, from levels, theodolites and simple maps to techniques involving the latest technology. An introduction to positioning and navigation using the Global Positioning System would also be given and a residential field course would ensure that you could apply your knowledge to real-world tasks.

An alternative route for school and college leavers is to enter a training scheme through the Apprenticeship programme.

Making the grade

On completion of your accredited course, you would be eligible to move to the two-year Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) structured training stage with an employer, concluding with an interview known as the Assessment of Professional Competence. Alternatively, you could seek corporate membership of the Faculty of Architecture and Surveying (part of the Chartered Institute of Building), usually following a similar route of accredited degree and two years of approved practical experience.

The majority of training is organised in-house, with employers providing specific training in the use of different pieces of equipment. Land surveyors need to keep up to date with the latest technology as it is changing all the time. It is necessary to have an appreciation of all methods of surveying so that the most effective method is used for each specific task.

It usually takes between four and five years to become a chartered land surveyor.

Personal qualities

As a land surveyor, you would need to interpret and analyse data, requiring you to be observant and comfortable with numerical work. There would be extensive use of computers, so you would need to be confident in using the relevant software packages. You would need to be well organised and ordered in your approach to work as you would be collecting data from a number of different sources, often at enormous expense. You would usually work as a member of a team, particularly on larger projects. This might involve you in managing and coordinating the work of members of your team. In addition to liaising with fellow professionals, you might have to explain quite complicated and technical information to clients with little previous knowledge. You would need to be physically fit, as you are likely to spend a lot of time out on site or in open countryside.